Inner Voice

Hey, did you watch the video I sent you yesterday? The one about Paradream!

Yeah! Dilmy never ceases to amaze me with that voice of hers! And their visuals totally blew me away! This new song is gonna be a hit for sure!

By the way, did you have a chance to watch the video I sent you?

Yeah, the one about the singer-songwriter who got caught lip-syncing on that music show, right?

It's really a shame. She was so promising, even I had an eye on her. The fans are going crazy about it.

But I'm not a fan, so why even show that video to me?

I need you to feel my pain! After all, that singer is actually really...

......

What's wrong?

It's...Dilmy...

No way!

You're Dilmy, aren't you? From Paradream!

...Oh dear, looks like I've been caught.

Is it really her?

Mama, that's the lady on TV, right?

......

......

I can't believe I'm talking to THE Dilmy!

B-But who's he?

Oh, I'm...

A member of my staff. We came here to check out the location for a new music video.

A new... No way! That's so exciting!

I think we ought to be moving along soon...

Good luck, Dilmy! I promise to listen to your new song a million times!

Thank you.

Let's wait at the Airport until the commotion dies down.

Phew... I had a feeling I'd get caught.

Those were your fans, right? It's easy to see just how popular Paradream is.

Those people obviously knew who you were. But who is Dilmy and Paradream?

Yes, thankfully.

I told you before, didn't I? I'm a bit famous here. Paradream is a short form of my band's name, and Dilmy is my stage name.

I'm glad they believed me when I said you were a staff member. If they hadn't, they might've confused you for a boyfriend or something. It would've been big news.

B-Boyfriend?!

Then all your not-so-secret admirers would come after me with pitchforks.

D-Don't be ridiculous...

I've never had admirers. It was always my childhood friend that was popular.

Oh dear, how awful of you not to notice. You're doing well for being so oblivious. Or maybe it's because you're so oblivious...

I can tell that's not a compliment...

Oh, is that why you looked so pale earlier? You were worried about your fans mistaking our relationship?

You're absolutely helpless... No, now's not the time.

Did I really look so bad that even you noticed?

Well, yeah. You looked uncomfortable, to say the least. I know you mentioned being able to see what's in people's hearts. Is that what was happening back there?

You can be observant sometimes, despite being so oblivious otherwise. Emotions are like a blade. They can bleed your energy dry, whether they be good or bad.

Wow. I didn't expect good emotions to tire you out.

Yes. It isn't easy being in the limelight. But thankfully there isn't anyone around here, so...

Ah!

What's up?

Over there!

Mildy?!

You'll have to forgive me for interrupting. But watching someone die will leave a very bad taste in my mouth.

Are you two okay?!

I'm fine. She's just unconscious.

We managed to grab you just in the nick of time.

Apologies, but "Dilmy" is off the clock. Just think of me as an ordinary passer-by with great timing.

Could you tell us why you tried to jump?

Even if you can't speak, I can read the emotions clear off your face.

(Wow, that was one smooth lie.)

I'll ask again. Why did you try to take your own life?

I don't know what you're saying, but maybe take some time to calm down first?

I know how popular that band is. Though not firsthand, since I'm not Dilmy at the moment.

Yes, I've heard the rumors.

I see. So you purchased a relic that stole your voice...

Why'd you end up buying something like that in the first place?

People's comments made you nervous, so you relied on that shady website.

Then everyone found out and started saying mean things online.

I don't know what we can do about those comments, but... We have to find a way to get her voice back.

What was your wish?

I can't say I don't understand how you feel. But what you've done is a bit rude to your fans, don't you think?

In any case, Aldo and I will try to get your voice back. Do you have the contact of the person from that wish-granting site?

Then do it.

Where?

...A fitting place. Now then, shall we be on our way?

......

I felt the same way when I was young.

I was bullied and thought the whole world was my enemy.

Yes. People ignored me and hid my things just because they didn't like me. I cried every day. But even during those painful times, someone was willing to be on my side.

She saved me. She restored my faith in the world. And I'm sure there's someone out there who will do the same for you. You just haven't noticed it yet.

You're right on time. Ya didn't mention you'd have company, though.

You'll have to forgive us for showing up unannounced, but we're the ones looking to buy relics this time.

She told us they would grant our wishes, so we got curious...

If it's money you're worried about, I've got plenty. And depending on what you have, I'm willing to part with it all.

Heh heh. Well, if you're thaaat interested... Here's what I got on hand.

These're some pretty precious relics you can't get anywhere else. You're welcome to hold 'em, if ya want.

Why, thank you.

I see... What a collection you have.

Made up your mind? Since you're a first- time customer, I'll even give ya a discount.

Hah. You must be joking. I wouldn't even pay a single Git for the whole lot. Your "relics" are nothing but fakes.

Huh?!

Fakes?!

Yes. Anyone who knows anything about relics could immediately tell that these are absolute garbage. You chose to sell only to people who seemed ignorant of what they were buying, yes?

No! That ain't true!

Hmph. Playing dumb, are you?

Hello, EGPD? Yes, I'd like to report a con artist on Route 99...

Dammit!

He's running away!

You don't need to give chase, Aldo. Leave him to the professionals.

We have more important things to deal with.

Everything he showed me was fake. None of them held any special power. And the same probably goes for the one you purchased.

That relic shouldn't have the power to do that.

That's because...

Hey! Come back!

Let's go, Aldo. It's too dangerous for her to be in the Industrial Ruins alone.

I don't see her anywhere.

Hey, so her not being able to sing and all...

It's true. She's not the type to rely on lip-syncing otherwise.

You seem to know her pretty well. Are you two acquaintances?

...It's too one-sided to be considered that.

In any case, the relic isn't to blame for her losing her voice. I'm sure she just lost her nerve after reading too much about what others think. And I'll bet she used that shady website because, deep down, she was nervous about others hearing her sing...

So it's all in her head?

That's right. And in order to get her voice back, she needs to change herself.

(But that's easier said than done. When I was a child, I was terrified of speaking my mind...) (But still, I want her to know the truth. I want her to know that her song is heard.)

You okay, Mildy?

I'll see if I can hear her voice. I should be able to if she's nearby.

That way!

Not on my watch.

Get back! We'll handle this!

Because I don't like the thought of never hearing your voice again...

If that's what you believe, then fine. Only you can decide who you listen to.

Now, come!

Is that how you really feel?

You lost your voice because you're hiding your true feelings.

You're completely consumed by it, perhaps from listening to other people too much.

Is she like you, Mildy? Can she read minds?

In a way, I guess you could say that.

There are places online where you can see other people's thoughts and opinions. I imagine she saw all kinds of comments there.

...Oh, you poor thing. Is that what you want to hear?

I want to sing!

Ah!

Looks like you found your voice.

Whew... That's a relief.

But why'd it come back all of a sudden?

She'd been silencing herself so she could meet everyone else's expectations.

That's probably why her voice came back when she was true to herself.

I can...sing again.

Yes, so long as you keep doing it for yourself.

Now then, it's dangerous here. Let's head back to Elzion.

She seems really nervous. But I guess getting her voice back wouldn't just make those awful rumors go away.

Maybe not, but that fear is part of the job.

(It's like looking at myself when I was a child.)

It seems like drastic measures are in order.

Aldo. Promise not to interfere, no matter what I say.

Okay, I promise.

If you're that sacred, why don't you just give up and go home?

What?

If you want to keep singing, you'll have to deal with comments and criticism every day of your life. And they'll end up hurting you, whether they're true or not.

You want me to give up on singing?!

No. I'm telling you to make a choice: run away and keep yourself safe or keep singing even though it hurts. Listen to what your heart says. If you don't, you'll end up losing that powerful voice of yours.

Have you...heard me sing before?

Yes.

You used to perform here on this road a long time ago, didn't you? You would sing until your voice gave out, even if no one stopped to listen.

But I heard your voice. It told me you were here, begged me to stop and look, so I did. Back then, I was weak. I lived my life suppressing my own feelings. That's why I was so entranced by your voice. In that instant, I became your fan. I wanted to be able to sing like you.

Dilmy from Paradream...is a fan of mine?

That's right. And still you don't listen to your fans. How rude. We can hear your voice. We always could, since way back then.

Even now...

Even if you haven't noticed it yet, there are people on your side.

Thank you, Dilmy...

I'm going to keep singing. And one day, I'll even surpass Paradream. Or am I aiming too high?

No, I don't think so. I like people who dream big.

From now on, if someone calls you reckless, laugh it off. Don't listen to people who have nothing to do with you. Your voice should be the only one that matters.

And even if others think your dream is silly or doesn't suit you, don't let that stop you. Because everyone is free to dream.

(Isn't that right...Amy?)